FROM COMMANDO TO NAVAL OFFICER
//STORY BY DARREN KHO /PHOTOS BY PIONEER PHOTOGRAPHERS & COURTESY OF 2LT ARJAN SINGH
A Commando NSF turned Naval Officer, 2LT Arjan Singh made the transition from jungle to sea when he signed up with the Navy.
From the dense jungles of Brunei to the open seas, 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Arjan Singh’s military journey has been anything but conventional.
The 21-year-old, who enlisted in January 2023, began his National Service (NS) with the Commandos, the Army’s elite raid specialists.
“Honestly, I wasn’t the fittest pre-enlistee so I was quite shocked when I received my posting. Regardless, I wanted to do something unique for my NS so I was quite excited.”
The journey was not easy. He finished Basic Military Training (BMT) with a Silver in IPPT (Individual Physical Proficiency Test) and pushed himself relentlessly to reach Commando Gold by July that year.
“I was training alongside some of the fittest guys around, so I had to step up,” he recalled. “But that struggle built resilience and lifelong friendships. We still regularly meet up on weekends.”
As a Full-time National Serviceman (NSF) in 1st Commando Battalion (1 Cdo Bn), he completed courses in demolition and small boat operations, and even participated in grueling exercises in Brunei and the X72 in Singapore.
X72 (or Exercise 72) requires commando trainees to march 72km and carry out combat tasks such as rappelling, weapon drills, boat carrying, and raid missions over a span of 72 hours.
His toughest moment came during their ATEC (Army Training Evaluation Centre) evaluation in Thailand back in March 2024 — a brutal test of endurance with six missions packed into four weeks.
“We carried massive loads over long distances. It was intense, but completing it gave me a huge sense of pride.”
During his NS, he also marched in the SAF Day Parade and National Day Parade (NDP) in 2024 as part of the Commandos contingent.
Anchored by purpose
Yet, as his ORD (operationally ready date) drew closer, 2LT Arjan made a surprising pivot by signing on with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
“I really enjoyed my time in the Commandos. But I knew I couldn’t sustain that level of physical intensity for an entire career,” he explained.
For 2LT Arjan, who will be heading overseas in August to study Economics and Politics, the RSN offered a natural intersection between his academic interests and the Navy’s diplomatic role on the global stage.
“I wanted something that still challenged me but also aligned with who I am and what I’m passionate about.”
He added: “The Navy isn’t just about ships and sea — it’s about international engagement. You’re dealing with real-world maritime operations, humanitarian missions, and foreign counterparts. That sense of purpose really resonated with me.”
A new chapter at sea
Transitioning from the jungle to the sea was not just a change in environment. It was a complete shift in mindset.
“In the Commandos, we’re very outcome-driven. The Navy taught me to anchor decisions in principles and systems. The approach is more structured, and leadership is more formal.”
Appointed Midshipman Commanding Officer during Officer Cadet School (OCS), 2LT Arjan found himself navigating problems, managing morale, and balancing authority with empathy.
“Leadership isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you develop through experience and reflection. I learned how to work with different personalities, resolve conflicts, and lead from the front,” the 21-year-old reflected.
One of his most defining OCS experiences came during his month-long Midshipman Sea Training Deployment (MSTD), where cadets juggled fatigue, seasickness, and round-the-clock duties, in January this year.
“We barely slept, but it was so real. You learn a lot about yourself when you're that stretched.”
Backed by family & looking ahead
2LT Arjan credits much of his growth to the support of his family, who were with him every step of the way – from accompanying him on weekend errands to offering emotional encouragement.
“There were days I felt lost or unmotivated. Talking to my family helped me find clarity and keep going.”
2LT Arjan will be heading to the University of Virginia later in August to pursue tertiary education in Economics and Politics.
“Dealing with people from all across the world will give me broader perspectives into how they think and reason. As a naval officer, I hope to leverage my experiences to better communicate with foreign counterparts.”
His advice to those on the fence about signing on?
“Be very clear on your 'why'. Talk to people who’ve been through it. Signing on is an investment in yourself and in service to others. It’s not easy — but it’s incredibly rewarding.”
